Lael E. Schmalzried

Lael Elizabeth (Sutliff) Schmalzried, age 73 of Levering, passed away at home surrounded by her family on Sunday, November 6, 2016.

Lael was born on October 21, 1943 in Jackson, MI and raised by her mother, Gloria (Broesamle) Sampson and her step-father Donald Sampson.

She graduated from Pellston High School in 1961.  There she fell in love with her life partner, Leon “Philip” Schmalzried and they were married a short time later in 1963.  Lael and Philip were happily married for 53 years.  All because they fell in love, three children were born; Scott, Jayne & Kelly.

Lael worked at Carter’s Food Centers just shy of 20 years.  She worked first in Cheboygan then traveled to all their stores after becoming the company’s scanning coordinator.

Lael was dedicated and loyal to her family and loved family gatherings surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

She was a member of New Hope United Methodist Church along with the UMW.

Those left to cherish her sweet memories are the love of her life, husband Philip; her children, Scott & Suzette of Levering, Kellyann & Mitchell of Indian River and her son-in-law Mark & Kathy Zink of Brutus.  Also surviving are her grandchildren, Luke (Emily) Schmalzried of Levering, Jacob & Chelsea Schmalzried of Kingsley, Joshua Schmalzried of Brooklyn, Keahna, Dalton and Sydney DePauw of Indian River, Chase Zink of Brutus and Jack Schmalzried of Levering; one great grandchild, Mason of Levering; a brother, Jon (MaryJo) Sutliff of Jackson; sisters, Sara Rose of Munith and Mary & Brent Izzard of Ionia;  sisters-in-law, Joan & Terry Williams of Levering, and Mary Dankert of Pellston; brothers-in-law, Dave & Joyce Schmalzried of Brutus, Jack & Pat Schmalzried of Boyne City and Dan & Rosemary Schmalzried of Levering.  Lael is also survived by her very special friends, Pat Hauger, Peggy Swenor and Theresa Raikko; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Jayne Zink; her parents, Don & Gloria Sampson; a sister, Joann Bennett and a great grandson, Nathan.

The family is very grateful to the staff of Hospice of the Straits for their knowledge, kindness and compassion during this difficult time.

A memorial service and gathering of family and friends will be held at 11:00 A.M Saturday, November 12, 2016 at New Hope United Methodist Church, 4516 US 31, Levering, MI  49755 with Pastor Dennis Bromley officiating.  Visitation will begin at 10:00 A.M.

Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to Hospice of the Straits in Cheboygan or to New Hope United Methodist Church.

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com